Meet our alumni: we talk careers in project management with Emily Churchill

Emily Churchill graduated in 2017 having completed the BSc Project Management for Construction (sandwich) course. Emily now works for BuroFour as an Assistant Project Manager. 

We caught up with Emily to find out more about her experience on the BSc course, her career so far, and her ambition to lead her own Project Management Consultancy.

Who or what inspired you to enter the project management sector?

I had previously worked on a number of small sustainable building projects in South East Asia and Australia and I loved it. When I returned to the UK I knew that was the industry I wanted to move into and I wanted to focus on the sustainable element of construction.

What do you think is the key for success on the BSc Project Management for Construction programme?

You need to put the time and work hard. Do the reading, talk to the lecturers and get work experience!

What projects are you working on at the moment?

I am working on three projects:

•  A significant refurbishment of a livery hall in the City of London
• The refurbishment of the front of house for the Old Vic
• The relocation of the Museum of London. 

Where do you see yourself in your career over the next ten years? 

I want to become a great project manager, and that comes with working with and learning from people who are good and have a plethora of experience. I eventually would like to have my own Project Management Consultancy.

What’s the one piece of advice you wished someone had given you when you were a student thinking about your future? 

Just because you work hard doesn’t mean you will get what you want, you need to make sure all the people who influence your work load know what you get, what you want and why. You have to fight your corner.

What is your fondest memory of your time here at the School?

Tea and biscuits in Dr Aeli Robert's office!

Do you have any advice for students who are about to graduate and enter the job market?

You will be seen as a resource by the company you are about to work in but make sure you use them as a resource too. Make sure they know what your aims are and what areas you need/want experience in. Becoming a good project manager takes time, it’s not something you can learn from a book or do overnight. It takes years - the best project managers are those who have worked across sectors, in different roles and are 50 years old. There are some things you can’t rush!